Business Development Director Lewis takes office

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1 ISSUE #2 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 IN THIS ISSUE PAGE Spotlight: Hagerstown 2 Regional Airport (HGR) Featured Property 3 Farm Guide DBD Director (continued) Business Outreach 5 New EDC Chair 6 Hugh Breslin Meet the Team Local Business 7 Resource Network Calendar of Events 8 JOURNAL WASHINGTON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT NAMES DIRECTOR Business Development Director Lewis takes office The Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland approved the hire of Kathleen Kassie Lewis as the new Director for the Washington County Department of Business Development (DBD) effective August 26, Lewis comes to Washington County after six years with the Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development (DBED) serving as Business Development Director; Director, Strategic Initiatives and most recently as Manager, Federal Facilities. Director of Department of Business Development, Kassie A. Lewis In these roles, Lewis initiated and implemented statewide programs forging coalitions with multiple stakeholders to address particular business issues. Examples include TEAM Maryland Network to increase small business win rates for federal government contracts and Credit Connections to increase businesses access to capital. Additionally, she and her team executed events, cultivated relationships with prospective businesses, provided insight into available real estate and prepared data packages to showcase Maryland as a prime location for business. Prior to her tenure with Maryland DBED, Lewis served as Manager Special Markets with the Baltimore County Department of Economic Development and Director of Economic Development for Carroll County Government. Her leadership efforts to attract/retain jobs and to resolve business issues have included working with companies such as Federal Express, Travelers Insurance, Global Payments, Toyota Financial Services, Ferguson Enterprises, AAI Corporation, Wilkins Rogers Mills/ Washington Flour, Bakery Express/Ms. Desserts and FBI Baltimore regional headquarters. From her longstanding relationships with DBED, to her feet on the street success in county level business and economic development, Kassie s skillset and experience uniquely match our organizational needs, said John F. Barr, Vice-President, Washington County Board of County Commissioners. We wanted the candidate with the strongest credentials to build upon the growth efforts already underway in our community and we ve found that with this hire. Kassie s outside perspective will help in identifying fresh opportunities to advance economic development opportunities for Washington County citizens. The County Commissioners are eager to welcome her aboard and look forward to working together. Story continues on Page 4 under DIRECTOR 100 West Washington Street, Hagerstown, MD P: F:

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT JOURNAL Hagerstown Airport Control Tower Receives National Air Service Award Midwest Air Traffic Control Services honored with Willie Card Contract Tower Service

2 DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT JOURNAL Hagerstown Airport Control Tower Receives National Air Service Award Midwest Air Traffic Control Services honored with Willie Card Contract Tower Service Award Recently, the Hagerstown Regional Airport s (HGR) air traffic controllers received their first Willie Card Contract Tower Service Award. This award recognizes contract service towers that deliver air traffic control safety and service excellence. Seamless execution gives our passengers and the general aviation community peace of mind flying into and out of our community and we re proud to deliver on those points at HGR, said Phil Ridenour, director of the Hagerstown Regional Airport. Safety and service are the top priorities of this airport and we re pleased to partner with Midwest Air Traffic Control. Our air traffic controllers are a dedicated team and we re thrilled to see the staff s hard work acknowledged. HGR s control tower, operating daily 7 a.m. 10 p.m., has successfully guided more than 56,497 operations without error in , including a 22 percent increase in traffic over the previous four years, due in part to additional commercial flights from Allegiant and commuter flights from SunAir. The six staff members operating HGR s control tower total 125+ years of air traffic control experience with backgrounds ranging from prior military service and pilots to specialized aviation degrees. ABOUT HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR), a financially self-supporting airport complex managed by Washington County, is home to a variety of businesses that provide travel services to the general public and airside services to the general aviation community. The 400-acre facility includes a secured perimeter, an air traffic control tower, state-of-theart navigational aids, and the second-longest public runway in the State of Maryland. Sun Air provides passenger service to Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Allegiant provides passenger service to Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). for more information. Ed Rakowski (left) accepting award at a recent AAAE Conference Awarded annually by the American Association of Airport Executives/United States Contract Tower Association, the Willie Card Contract Tower Service Award is presented each year to the Federal Aviation Administration federal contract tower that most closely mirrors Mr. Card's vision of what the contract tower program exemplifies. Mr. Card created an environment in which the competing interests of the FAA, the ATC contractors, airports, and organizations like AAAE/USCTA came together to form a unique and lasting partnership with the common goal of providing the very best air traffic control services to the local users at FAA contract towers. The selection committee is comprised of officials from the FAA, National Business Aviation Association, National Association of State Aviation Officials, National Air Transportation Association, Air Traffic Control Association and Regional Airline Association. On the heels of this award, HGR continues expansion of its portfolio including several businesses expanding into larger/new hangar space in addition to marketing the airport s resources for new business development opportunities. Fixed base operator Rider Jet Center is undertaking a $6 million expansion to service pilots and passengers, including fueling, an inviting lobby area, and larger weather-monitoring rooms and resting rooms. Schedule an event at HGR today HGRinfo@washco-md.net 2 ISSUE #2 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014

W A S H I N G T O N C O U N T Y, M A R Y L A N D FEATURED PROPERTY Wright-Gardner Building Total Size Sewer

Hagerstown Columbia Gas of Maryland Zoning I-81-2 mi; I-70-3.

City of Hagerstown Comments Space 1: Entire 2nd floor (6,256 sq ft) includes 14 private offices, open space

Space 2: Located on first floor (2,947 sq ft) includes 7 private offices, break room, conference room, and open

This would be a perfect space for a service firm, financial company, other professional office, call center,

3 W A S H I N G T O N C O U N T Y, M A R Y L A N D FEATURED PROPERTY Wright-Gardner Building Total Size Sewer Size Available Natural Gas Terms Distance to Interstate 9,203 sq ft 6,256 sq ft or 2,947 sq ft Lease City of Hagerstown Columbia Gas of Maryland Zoning I-81-2 mi; I mi Water Yes CC-MU (City Center - Mixed Use) City of Hagerstown Tax District? City of Hagerstown Comments Space 1: Entire 2nd floor (6,256 sq ft) includes 14 private offices, open space with cubicles, a large conference room with a divider that can convert into two small conference areas. Elevator access. Two front entrances, one shared with Wright-Gardner Insurance and one separate with electronic door access. Space 2: Located on first floor (2,947 sq ft) includes 7 private offices, break room, conference room, and open space for 8 cubicles. LEASE IS AVAILABLE FOR ONLY ONE OF TWO SPACES. This would be a perfect space for a service firm, financial company, other professional office, call center, non-profit, technology company or group of small incubator-type companies. Owner will consider renovations. Property Address 100 West Antietam Street Wright-Gardner Building Hagerstown, MD Contact Taylor Bowen Prudential Bowen Realty tbowen@prudentialbowen.com Type Office Year Built 1900 Enterprise Zone No ISSUE #2 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

DEPARTMENT OF OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT JOURNAL NEW AG GUIDE CONNECTS LOCAL FARMS AND CONSUMERS Buy local made easy for tri-state region shoppers Washington County, Maryland is home to 860 farms and

4 DEPARTMENT OF OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT JOURNAL NEW AG GUIDE CONNECTS LOCAL FARMS AND CONSUMERS Buy local made easy for tri-state region shoppers Washington County, Maryland is home to 860 farms and agriculture product sales total more than $83 million annually. Many farms are diversifying in a variety of niche markets including wine, gourmet cheese and customer supported agriculture programs. With the help of the 2014 Washington County Maryland Agriculture Guide, consumers can easily discover all the great products and agricultural-related attractions available right here in our community. This guide lets you know where you can buy local food or agricultural products in Washington County. Presented by the Washington County Department of Business Development (DBD) Office of Agricultural Business Development, the Ag Guide is one way DBD is connecting local farmers and consumers. With so many disconnected from the farm and how food grows, education is a critical component to preserving rich, agricultural traditions of our community. Consumers are encouraged to create their own traditions and memories by visiting some of the farms included in this guide. Spurred by consumer demand and the buy-local movement, the Ag Guide highlights products available for purchase on-site at farms throughout Washington County. Ag Guide readers will find location and product information about meat and produce, dairy products including artisan cheeses and ice cream, among many other specialty products and attractions. Farm Guide 2014 An up-to-date digital copy of the guide can be found at: Hard copy guides will be printed biennially and can be obtained by contacting Washington County Department of Business Development at edcinfo@hagerstownedc.org or For more information, contact Leslie Hart, Agricultural Business Development Specialist: lhart@hagerstownedc.org DIRECTOR (continued) Lewis holds a bachelor s degree in sociology from Towson University, a master s in social work from the University of Maryland and is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute -- the premiere economic development training program in the nation. In her new role, Lewis will serve as the primary sales and development driver for the County and act as staff liaison to the Economic Development Commission Board. Lewis will be responsible for the development and implementation of strategic programs to encourage business relocation, retention, and expansion in Washington County. She will continue building on the work of DBD staff and further forge partnerships with state, local and community organizations while connecting with existing businesses to help them navigate retention and expansion resources. Lewis will also manage DBD staff and new business development and retention initiatives under the direction of Assistant County Administrator Sarah Lankford Sprecher. Lewis s office will be located at 100 W. Washington Street, Room 103 in the County Administration building and she can be reached at For a look at Kassie s first statement as DBD Director, visit: 4 ISSUE #2 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014

5 W A S H I N G T O N C O U N T Y, M A R Y L A N D ISSUE #2 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT JOURNAL BRESLIN TO GUIDE WASHINGTON COUNTY EDC THROUGH TRANSITIONAL PERIOD To say that Hugh Breslin knows the region is an understatement.

General Manager and General Sales Manager. Breslin has also held key roles with various Washington County non-profits, boards, and associations.

As Chair, Breslin will work closely with Kassie Lewis, Director for the Department of Business Development (DBD), and the EDC Board on continuing to implement the Strategic Plan and other projects

"I want to do my best to work with all the various volunteers, community leaders, elected officials and any other consitutencies to help facilitate economic growth in Washington County," Breslin

Thomas Wade Watson Ex-Officios Honorable Kristin Aleshire Honorable Terry L. Baker KASSIE A.

She is responsbile for the development and implementation of strategic programs to encourage business relocation, retention and expansion in Washington County. kalewis@washco-md.net 240.313.

He provides assistance with expansion or relocation needs and administers the State and Local business incentive programs to encourage and assist with business growth. rmandley@hagerstownedc.org 240.

She provides assistance and direction for business inquiry, retention and expansion efforts. LESLIE HART lspence@hagerstownedc.org 240.313.

6 DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT JOURNAL BRESLIN TO GUIDE WASHINGTON COUNTY EDC THROUGH TRANSITIONAL PERIOD To say that Hugh Breslin knows the region is an understatement. Breslin began his career at WHAG-TV in Hagerstown, Maryland as an Account Executive in Ten years later, Breslin moved into his current position at WHAG as V.P. General Manager and General Sales Manager. Breslin has also held key roles with various Washington County non-profits, boards, and associations. These are just some of the key factors that led to the Washington County Economic Development Commission (EDC) appointing Breslin as their new Chair. As Chair, Breslin will work closely with Kassie Lewis, Director for the Department of Business Development (DBD), and the EDC Board on continuing to implement the Strategic Plan and other projects that will benefit the County's economic development interests. "I want to do my best to work with all the various volunteers, community leaders, elected officials and any other consitutencies to help facilitate economic growth in Washington County," Breslin stated. Hugh Breslin Chair Paul N. Crampton, Jr. Vice Chair Jefry A. Bohn Secretary Ryan Daughtridge EDC BOARD MEMBERS New EDC Chair, Hugh Breslin Peter P. Thomas Wade Watson Ex-Officios Honorable Kristin Aleshire Honorable Terry L. Baker KASSIE A. LEWIS DIRECTOR Kassie operates as the primary sales and development driver for the county and staff liaison to the EDC Board. She is responsbile for the development and implementation of strategic programs to encourage business relocation, retention and expansion in Washington County BOB MANDLEY Business Development Specialist Bob is the DBD s primary interface for new and existing businesses. He provides assistance with expansion or relocation needs and administers the State and Local business incentive programs to encourage and assist with business growth. rmandley@hagerstownedc.org LINDA SPENCE Business Support Specialist Linda coordinates and manages the Washington County Business Outreach program and DBD sponsored events, tradeshows and meetings. She provides assistance and direction for business inquiry, retention and expansion efforts. LESLIE HART lspence@hagerstownedc.org Agricultural Business Development Specialist Leslie is responsible for developing, and managing economic development strategies and implementing programs to attract, retain, preserve and grow agricultural enterprises and related industries in Washington County. Robert C. Jeffers Edward Lough Julie Rohm Janet Stiles Fulton Jill Frick Honorable William B. McKinley Sandra Mehalko Honorable Donald Munson Gregory I. Snook SAM DEVARAM SMALL BUSINESS CONSULTANT Sam provides free confidential business growth assistance to existing and upstart businesses. He assists with start-up logistics, business planning, financial analysis and projections, pricing and marketing strategies. sdevaram@frostburg.edu lhart@hagerstownedc.org Carmen provides research and administrative support by developing and maintaining databases, reports, and lists. Carmen maintains correspondence, serves as information facilitator and is the first point of contact for inquiries. TABITHA PORTERFIELD CARMEN HARBAUGH Administrative Assistant charbaugh@hagerstownedc.org Marketing Specialist Tabitha coordinates and implements public information and branding initiatives along with strategic marketing projects for Washington County and the DBD. Tabitha s projects include collateral and content development, event planning, and social media strategies. tporterfield@washco-md.net ISSUE #2 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014

Washington County, Maryland Local Business Resource Network A pro-business climate, strategically located at the intersection of I-81 & I-70 Washington County, Maryland s Business Resource Network

7 Washington County, Maryland Local Business Resource Network A pro-business climate, strategically located at the intersection of I-81 & I-70 Washington County, Maryland s Business Resource Network provides resources and support for start ups and entrepreneurs. Bringing the leading business development partners together under the network increases efficiency and service to the entrepreneur. Starting a business is exciting and rewarding but it takes time, talent and information to bring a business idea to life. Washington County Department of Business Development The Washington County Department of Business Development (DBD) is a county agency providing assistance to new and expanding businesses throughout Washington County, Maryland. The DBD interacts with a vast network of public, private and nonprofit organizations to address the business needs of the community, as well as attract new companies to the county. hagerstownedc.org edcinfo@hagerstownedc.org City of Hagerstown - Department of Community & Economic Development The City of Hagerstown s Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) serves as a resource to help start, nurture and grow business within the city limits. The DCED is committed to partnering with developers, investors and business owners to navigate the planning and development process. The City offers several incentive options to support economic growth in the community, and staff will provide guidance to determine the best opportunities for your business and development needs. Recognizing time is money, the City fast-tracks projects for approval, provides exceptional service and demonstrates flexibility in a changing environment. hagerstownmd.org x111 DCED@hagerstownmd.org International Corporate Training & Marketing International Corporate Training and Marketing, LLC (ICTM) provides translation and interpretation services in several languages. They also provide professional Spanish training for banking, healthcare, government agencies, and other industries together with multi-cultural marketing and outreach. ictmllc.com info@ictmllc.com SCORE SCORE Hagerstown is a group of experienced business persons who want to be your small business counselors for the life of your business. Open to any entrepreneurial spirit with a desire to provide quality services or products, anticipates providing jobs and growth in the community, willingness to learn and serve others. Counselors are available to provide face-to-face business counseling at no cost. hagerstown.score.org Hagerstown-Washington County Chamber of Commerce The Chamber is a small business whose products and services help other businesses be more successful. The goal is to help your business increase sales and reduced costs and we have many ways to do just that. First, people want to do business with people they know, and we can introduce you to lots of people, customers and suppliers. Second, we let you know what is going on in the community affecting your business, good and bad. And third, we advocate on your behalf with local and state government, working to expand your market and reduce the burden of government regulations. hagerstown.org info@hagerstown.org Hagerstown Community College Technical Innovation Center The Hagerstown Community College Technical Innovation Center provides an opportunity for tech start-ups to accelerate into viable companies by providing an array of resources and services. These services include affordable facilities (wet lab and office space), business concept review, customized support services, market evaluation, manufacturing assistance, and more. They are developed or orchestrated by incubator management and are offered both in the incubator and through its network of contact. hagerstowncc.edu/technical-innovation-center Western Maryland Consortium The Western Maryland Consortium assists businesses in acquiring new workers through screening, placement and other workforce development services. Financial assistance for companies is also available to help offset the cost of training new employees if training on the job is necessary. Pre-employment training, educational services and occupational skill training for jobseekers prior to hire can also be arranged where this type of training is required to meet an employer s need for qualified new workers. Training programs can be customized and tailored to specific employer requirements as well. These services are provided at no cost to businesses. westernmarylandconsortium.org The Greater Hagerstown Committee The Greater Hagerstown Committee (GHC), a 501c(3) corporate body, was established in 1987 to bring stakeholders and community leaders together to discuss broad issues of importance in the region. Over the years, GHC has served as a community catalyst -- recruiting people, gathering information, identifying resources, and crafting conversation necessary to advance initiatives making our region a better place to live, work and play. GHC strives to cooperate with and assist governmental bodies and community organizations to achieve existing goals and objectives, or to identify new ones. It provides a vehicle for its members and invited stakeholders to take a broad view of our region, become educated on regionally significant issues, and craft visions for improving the quality of life in our community. GHC works with local economic development partners to connect prospective leadership teams to established corporate leaders in our area. The committee uses its influences and resources of its members to create and solicit support for job retention and attraction, workforce development, and educational initiatives to better the community. greaterhagerstown.org Maryland Small Business Development Center The Maryland Small Business Development Center (MD SBDC) provides confidential business start and growth consulting services at no cost. MD SBDC assists both existing and startups with financial analysis and projections, business planning, pricing and marketing strategies. marylandsbdc.org/western sdevaram@frostburg.edu ISSUE #2 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

8 DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT JOURNAL UPCOMING EVENTS Eggs & Issues September 7:30 a.m. Join Antietam Cable and the Chamber for a presentation by Kelley Dempsey, Senior Information Security Specialist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology that seeks to promote awareness of the importance of, and the need for information security and to provide an overview of information security threats, vulnerabilities, and potential corrective measures. Hager Hall Conference & Event Center 901 Dual Highway Register at hagerstown.org Business Resource Group September 9 a.m. Back by popular demand, Keith Merkey, Education and Outreach Associate from Maryland's Commission on Civil Rights, will again be addressing "Diversity in the Workplace: Legal and Social Changes." Keith will also discuss the ramifications of our changing societal norms regarding diversity and how those changes are affecting the workplace. Washington County Free Library 100 South Potomac Street Registration is free Washington County, Maryland Department of Business Development 100 West Washington Street Hagerstown, MD P: F: edcinfo@hagerstownedc.org WashingtonCountyMD Farm-to-Fork September 4 p.m. The Future Faces of Agriculture are here. Dine on the finest local ingredients prepared by the chef and staff from LJ's & the Kat Lounge. The the View Pennsylvania Avenue $25/person The Business of Doing Business - SBDC September 1 p.m. This interactive seminar will cover topics including working "On" your business, not "In" your business, the three major factors that influence your business, learn how to get your business "unstuck" and moving in the right direction, learn the importance of delegating, and understand what different roles you need to play in your business. SBDC 5340 Spectrum Drive, Suite A Frederick, Md. Registration is free SAVE THE DATE StartUP MD September 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Starting or expanding your business? Pitch your plan to potential investors and help us grow Washington County's entrepreneur community. Discover resources, network, panel discussions, and more. Downtown Hagerstown Central Lot 14 North Potomac Street 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. HCC Technical Innovation Center Robinwood Drive 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. 8 ISSUE #2 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014

Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission. Hagerstownedc.org

Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission Hagerstownedc.org EDC: The Network Model EDC Executive Committee Board of County Commissioners EDC Board County Administrator Assistant County